Bah, his chosen students failed, now he is seeking to poach the champions from Master Gond.

I look at Gorak: Nothing personal, but I could never train with one such as he. From his garb and movements and his disciples methods, it is clear that his techniques are birthed in the raw savagery of his forefathers.

Javi shrugs, his eyes still on the statue, "I don't know. While I think we've chosen the right teacher, you can learn a lot from anyone. You just have to know what to learn from and what to disregard. Plus, the failure of a student reveals more about the student than the teacher, I've always thought." He reaches out to pick up the statue, "You guys think this is some kind of trophy?"

Javi shrugs, "Either way, I guess we should watch him. You think Master Gond would fill us in on whatever happened between them?" He looks around at the emptying arena, "Anyone know if there were supposed to be other fights today? Might be a good idea to see what we may face in future fights.

Javi pipes back in. "My ma-- um... former employer used to deal in stuff like this. Might be able to get 400 gold or so just from the materials. We find a collector of statues like this, coudl go for more." He shrugs, "I'll see if i can find a buyer over the next day or two. Until then, wanna go watch another fight?"

Cassadar was introspective for the majority of the fight, thinking that he did not, until now, consider the history that may exist between some of the schools here. Especially for a school that left "home" for reasons that were currently unknown to them. The "mountain" of gold-- he did smile at that-- was a reward for success. He understood that, but did not really care for it.

"Ah I can see how much your rookie to the fights there Wasp, you don't sell trophies until we hit rock bottom. It shows our success! But yeah the dwarf be right let's see the showmanship of the other schools. They can't beat my entourage, right ladies?"

Consulting with one of the palace attendants you learn that you have a choice of combats to witness:
The Masters of Gond's house are engaging in a contest against spirits of the elements.
Your future opponents are featured in single bouts of the higher level students. You are unlikely to see any of your own opponents, but might glean some information through observation.
Lastly, the House of the Unblinking Flame is holding an open training session - ostensibly to winnow potential new recruits.

While watching the Masters contest elementals would be inspiring, Cassadar knew he had much, much further to go before he was at their skill. He was looking forward to their next opponents, but had more curiosity towards the open training session. He was wondering if their name came from their style, an affectation, or something else. More training ideas were something that he could appreciate, regardless of the source. That would be where he would head, after he had an opportunity to locate some more food. Eating little before the fight coupled with exertion meant he was at least thirsty. Finding something to drink would be good.

Seeking direction from the palace staff, you are led across the grounds and inside a open air gymnasium of sorts that has had a central area cleared for the bouts to take place. Unlike the pit fights Torgus was used to, the audience was relatively restrained and there didn't even seem to be any betting taking place. Instead the spectators stood at ease and observed the fights taking place.

The fights were all single combats between very skilled combatants, though there were some variations. Some combats were carried out with the fighters linked by a rope tied around one wrist - ensuring they could not back away from the enemy; some were blindfolded fights more on feeling than sight; some were with weapons; and in one case the combatants merely stood and faced one another for a few silent and still minutes... before one collapsed unconscious.

Those of the house you will face next tended to be reactive of movement, waiting for their opponents to close and counterstriking or rebalancing. They were less muscled, but their blows were better aimed - striking home on pressure points and joints. One of the monks bore a scarf into the ring... which you thought odd at first, but it proved to be edged with iron and blades - cutting deep into flesh.

The Unblinking Flame fought with a cruel intent and ferocity. Never backing down and not ceasing to take an aggressive stance whenever possible. Few weapons were seen, but some fought with armored forearms and shins - using the metal as a striking force. Their blows often were joined by kiai shouts and on occasion left their targets stunned and insensate for a few precious seconds. Bones were broken and an occasional master choked out near to death.

Do you have the ability to make one of us grow to huge size like that duegar Frakdar practically spits the name, you can hear the disgust in his tone did in the last fight? It would be fun to enable super Torgus to strike out with his long arms and not allow anyone to close while the rest of us protect his flanks.

Javi grins enthusiastically at the mental image of Torgar the Huge, though his eyes remain intent on their study of future foes. "I'm thinking my tactics will be just the opposite. Smaller targets should be harder to hit."

Do you have the ability to make one of us grow to huge size like that duegar Frakdar practically spits the name, you can hear the disgust in his tone did in the last fight? It would be fun to enable super Torgus to strike out with his long arms and not allow anyone to close while the rest of us protect his flanks.

"That is not a spell I am granted by the animal lord."AKA: Druidic aspet

Frakdar looks from Torgus to Gorak and then back: That is too bad. I can imagine you increasing your repertoire, to include the Falling Ogre, the Flying Elf, and of course the ever popular Goblin Bowling. Seems they would go well with the Orken Shield.

You are unsure whether the typically stoic dwarf is being honest or showing a lighter side.

Not so much for the drinking and carousing, Cassadar had no particular plans for the day, as he had not planned for anything, not knowing how the fight was going to turn out. Finally, he decided to seek out one of the servants, to ask where one might go to pursue learning the language of this area.
(no real plans)

The fights die down and you make your way back to the building that Gond's group has been bid to stay. The other members of his school return at various times and with a range of injuries from minor to more intense. It would appear that on the whole though the results were favorable for them. In particular Fangul's chest is soaked with blood, and Mtumbo seems to be nursing a broken wrist.

Cassadar's request sees him furnished with a range of reading material that seems easy enough to follow. Surely you would not find it hard to seek speaking partners either.

Just after nightfall the house is visited by some ascetics of Irori, who offer succor and healing to all injured. It is thus that you are returned to wellness... ready to face the morrow.

_____________________

Morning comes and you are once more lead away to the same area as before... though this time it looks that there are a few more spectators watching.

Torgus sets up his next entrance with his group and you all notice he added a minstrel into the mix. The Bears face looks serious as he explains his new ideas his entourage. The group is taken back of his concentraition and planning before hand.

Cassadar could not claim that keeping company in the vicinity of Torgus was ever dull-- or quiet. Stoically, he watched the organization that was going on, and the amount of intent that Torgus seemed to have for this. While he was fairly certain that some scouting had been done of them, his plan remained mostly unchanged.. Or at least, it seemed to be. He was adaptable, so his second option was aiding one of the others with their opponent until he was down, but that left them free to do the same..